Upcoming events.

Memoirs Debut Show
Jun
12

Memoirs Debut Show

This one-night-only solo showing is the debut of my 9-month endeavor known as the Memoirs Series. The work tells the story of one woman’s life, from birth to what is ahead of her. There will be curated charcuterie, wine and even merch up for sale! The paintings will also be for sale.

This series was made possible with the help of an action grant from the Rockford Area Arts Council and a Creative Projects Grant from the State of Illinois. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity that both of these grants provided to me!

The venue is S. Bear Studios, the home of the talented local muralist Brett Whitacre.

I hope to see you there! You WON’T want to miss this exclusive showing!

View Event →
Gail Hakes West LIVE @ The Beloit Club (CLUB MEMBERS ONLY)
Jul
3

Gail Hakes West LIVE @ The Beloit Club (CLUB MEMBERS ONLY)

I return to the Beloit Club for 3 hours of tunes - from modern to classic covers as well as some of my originals! Come and vibe with me! ***BELOIT CLUB MEMBERS ONLY***

View Event →
Gail Hakes West LIVE @ The Beloit Club (CLUB MEMBERS ONLY) (Copy)
Sep
4

Gail Hakes West LIVE @ The Beloit Club (CLUB MEMBERS ONLY) (Copy)

I return to the Beloit Club for 3 hours of tunes - from modern to classic covers as well as some of my originals! Come and vibe with me! ***BELOIT CLUB MEMBERS ONLY***

View Event →
Gail Hakes West LIVE @ DC Estate Winery (Copy)
Oct
18

Gail Hakes West LIVE @ DC Estate Winery (Copy)

Every Sunday is a beautiful Sunday when you’re sipping on wine at a winery with friends while listening to some tunes! I’ll be playing from 1pm-4pm, so stop on by and grab some vino and vibe with me!

View Event →

Gail Hakes West LIVE @ The Beloit Club (CLUB MEMBERS ONLY)
May
15

Gail Hakes West LIVE @ The Beloit Club (CLUB MEMBERS ONLY)

I return to the Beloit Club for 3 hours of tunes - from modern to classic covers as well as some of my originals! Come and vibe with me! ***BELOIT CLUB MEMBERS ONLY***

View Event →
Spring ArtScene
Apr
24
to Apr 25

Spring ArtScene

You can see selected works by me at Womanspace (3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford, IL 61114-5481) and S. Bear Studios (188 N 1st St, Rockford, IL 61107). I will mostly be in-person at S. Bear this weekend and would love to see you drop in! S. Bear is figure work by me and several other local artists and the Womanspace show’s theme is Queen, Heroine, Goddess.

View Event →
Gail Hakes West LIVE @ DC Estate Winery
Apr
19

Gail Hakes West LIVE @ DC Estate Winery

Every Sunday is a beautiful Sunday when you’re sipping on wine at a winery with friends while listening to some tunes! I’ll be playing from 1pm-4pm, so stop on by and grab some vino and vibe with me!

View Event →
Gail Hakes West LIVE @ The Beloit Club (CLUB MEMBERS ONLY)
Mar
27

Gail Hakes West LIVE @ The Beloit Club (CLUB MEMBERS ONLY)

I return to the Beloit Club for 3 hours of tunes - from modern to classic covers as well as some of my originals! Come and vibe with me! ***BELOIT CLUB MEMBERS ONLY***

View Event →
In View of HER - A solo show @ Art City
Mar
13

In View of HER - A solo show @ Art City

Join me for the opening reception of “In View of HER” at Art City on Friday, March 13th. This show features sporadic works created by me of the mysterious “HER” figure. I would love to sip on some wine whilst mingling with you! My work will be on display until April 4th, so be sure to stop by before it ends!

View Event →
2026 Rockford Area Arts Awards
Mar
6

2026 Rockford Area Arts Awards

The Rockford Area Arts Council’s Annual awards celebration takes place Friday, March 6th from 6pm-11pm. It’s a super fun time of bumping shoulders with the artists in the community while enjoying yummy hors d'oeuvres, complete with an after party featuring a live DJ spinning tunes for us to loosen up to! (oh and p.s. I am nominated for Visual Artist of the Year! WISH ME LUCK!)

You can purchase a ticket here !

View Event →
GAIL HAKES WEST LIVE @BELOIT CLUB *MEMBERS ONLY*
Oct
31

GAIL HAKES WEST LIVE @BELOIT CLUB *MEMBERS ONLY*

Members of the Beloit Club can come and vibe this Halloween night as I play a bunch of covers and originals… I may even throw in a spooky tune or two, who knows?!

View Event →
Animalia Show Reception
Oct
16

Animalia Show Reception

Join myself and other artists in this juried show as we show off our animal interpretations via art. I have one piece named Percy in this show, a vibrant and charming alpaca. There will be some hors d'oeuvres and wine up for grabs as well as you take a gander at the creativity all around you in the gallery.

View Event →
Eat Your Art Out
Oct
3
to Oct 4

Eat Your Art Out

Join me for Fall ArtScene in downtown Rockford at 27Aluna! This ArtScene’s theme is food -centric art, whether it’s your favorite ingredient, restaurant or dish. This event should be chock full of eye candy from all different sorts of mediums and styles thanks to a large helping of artists from the stateline area!

View Event →
Greenwich Art Fair
Sep
13
to Sep 14

Greenwich Art Fair

I will be selling art here at Rockford’s longest standing fine arts fair, Greenwich Art Fair! Admission is $10 and the event is held on Saturday, September 13 (10am-6pm) and Sunday September 14 (10am-5pm). Hope to see you there!

View Event →
Gail Hakes West Live @ Abreo
Sep
3

Gail Hakes West Live @ Abreo

I am returning to one of my favorite spots in the stateline! I’ll be playing tunes for a few hours as you sip on bevvy’s and chomp on wonderful food during Dive Bar Wednesday!

View Event →
DC ESTATE Winery - Live Music by Gail Hakes West
Aug
31

DC ESTATE Winery - Live Music by Gail Hakes West

The last stop I make at the winery this year, so come and spend a nice, chill Sunday afternoon with me as I swoon you with tunes!

View Event →
LIVE AT THE BELOIT CLUB - MUSIC BY GAIL HAKES WEST
Aug
22

LIVE AT THE BELOIT CLUB - MUSIC BY GAIL HAKES WEST

Members of the beloved Beloit Club will be treated to some tunes and banter by the one and only - ME! ** NOTE - the Beloit club is a members-only country club and I cannot guarantee entry of outside patrons **

View Event →
8-1-Live @ Kith and Kin
Aug
15

8-1-Live @ Kith and Kin

I will be playing a set of tunes from 6:30pm-8pm at this gallery! Artists will also be live painting alongside the music… come on out and vibe!

View Event →
Live at Abreo
Jul
30

Live at Abreo

In the heart of downtown Rockford, Abreo’s fine dining and craft cocktails are sure to please your palate as I play some light tunes to fill the ambience.

View Event →
Rhythm of the Heart Festival - Live Painting and art for sale!
Jul
26

Rhythm of the Heart Festival - Live Painting and art for sale!

Come visit me at this free event at Loves Park City hall on Saturday, July 26th! I will be painting a piece live throughout the day as well as selling some art!

View Event →
Otaku You / Otaku Me Art Show
Jul
12

Otaku You / Otaku Me Art Show

I will be participating in this Japanese and Manga/Anime themed art show, presenting onlookers with never-before-seen alternate stylings of my figure work. Be prepared for something fresh and out of the norm for me!

View Event →
DC ESTATE Winery - Live Music by Gail Hakes West
Jul
6

DC ESTATE Winery - Live Music by Gail Hakes West

That’s riiiiight! I’m returning to South Beloit’s DC Estate Winery this July and will be playing originals and covers galore! Come sip some vino and vibe along!

View Event →
Make Music Day
Jun
21

Make Music Day

As you make your rounds at the Beloit Farmer’s Market this morning, make a stop outside of the Beloit Art Center as I sing my heart out! This event is an all-day extravaganza around Beloit, with all sorts of genres and venues participating!

View Event →
21st Regional Juried Show @ Freeport Art Museum
May
10

21st Regional Juried Show @ Freeport Art Museum

The opening reception for the 21st Regional Juried Show at the Freeport Art Museum features my piece “Savor” which was accepted in. Awards will be announced at 6pm that night.

The work will be on display from May 10th - July 19th, 2025 in case you miss the reception!

View Event →
Spring ArtScene @ 27Aluna
Apr
25
to Apr 26

Spring ArtScene @ 27Aluna

The theme is “Not Yet Sold” which means… OLD WORK! Most of the work I will have on display will be older work which has never before been displayed publicly, giving you a first-hand chance to see it in person! “Old work” to me doesn’t mean years ago, though, so you will still see “new-to-you” stuff, just stuff that hasn’t sold yet!

View Event →
Gail Hakes West - Live at SALT.
Mar
28

Gail Hakes West - Live at SALT.

I’ll be playing originals and covers at SALT. on Friday, March 28th, from 6pm-8pm. Grab a drink and vibe along!

View Event →
Limited Palette Opening Reception
Feb
13

Limited Palette Opening Reception

Come join me at the opening reception of an art exhibit titled Limited Palette. The theme of the show revolves around work that only uses the three primary colors - red, yellow and blue (plus black and white). My painting Bewildered will be showcased in the exhibit and an announcement of awards will happen at the reception as well.

FINE LINE CREATIVE ARTS CENTER
37W570 Bolcum Road
St. Charles, Illinois 60175

View Event →
Poetry Night Featuring Live Music by Gail Hakes West
Feb
11

Poetry Night Featuring Live Music by Gail Hakes West

I’ll be the opening musical act for a night of poetry reading at 27Aluna. Playing from 6-7pm, you’ll hear a bunch of original tunes as well as a few covers. Come one, come all!

View Event →
Live Painting @ The District
Jan
25
to Jan 26

Live Painting @ The District

Live DJs will be spinning as I paint alongside another artist - Funky Junk Art. Arrive ready to party!

View Event →
IceHogs Hat Giveaway Meet & Greet
Nov
29

IceHogs Hat Giveaway Meet & Greet

The hat I designed for the Rockford IceHogs hat design contest will be given out at the door to the first 1,500 fans. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS THIS FUN TIME! Come and chat with me, get your hat signed and see some of my art in person, too! Rumor has it, I may even bring some trading cards with me for you to see in person as well!

View Event →
The ArtBar
Nov
1

The ArtBar

Come and hang out with me at a hip First Friday art event in Aurora! You’ll be able to view select pieces of the Her series along with art by others.

View Event →

Stay up to date with events by adding it to your Google calendar or follow Abigail Pixler on social media!